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Parents' Guide to

The First to Die at the End

By Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Heartbreaking, hopeful, and romantic prequel.

Book Adam Silvera Science Fiction 2022
The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera

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What's the Story?

THE FIRST TO DIE AT THE END is the prequel to Adam Silvera's best-selling 2017 novel They Both Die at the End. Set seven years before the events of TBDATE, this book focuses on the launch of Death-Cast, the controversial company that guarantees it can predict and notify individuals of the day of their deaths -- as long as they're paid subscribers. Native New Yorker Orion Pagan is 18 and has a heart condition, so while he hopes not to get a call at midnight, he knows his chances are greater than most. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Valentino Prince has arrived in New York from Arizona to pursue a modeling career. The two young men meet the night of Death-Cast's "first call" at a party in Times Square after one of them is the legendary first recipient of the Death-Cast call. From that midnight moment onward, Orion -- an aspiring writer -- and Valentino, whose beloved twin sister is still in Arizona, spend nearly every moment of this day together, moving through the streets of New York, meeting people, and, yes, falling in love along the way.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
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Kids say (3 ):

Adam Silvera's prequel is another emotional roller-coaster as readers follow two young protagonists on what's predicted to be a death day. While it's not necessary to read the first book to understand the prequel, knowing the stories and characters of They Both Die at the End will add not only context but a deeper layer of meaning to several of the cameos from the original tale. Silvera's two new main characters, Valentino and Orion, walk readers through the shock, awe, horror, and acceptance of Death-Cast's first calls. Various characters have dedicated chapters, including the enigmatic founder of Death-Cast who keeps the way he can predict someone's final day a secret. It's an unanswered question in both books, but it's still fascinating to witness the creator's unfailing commitment to the importance of notifying "Deckers" that they're going to die. Some of the points of view are uncomfortable and unlikable -- like the unfeeling Death Cast operator whose trick to calling people is to consider them already dead, or Valentino's greedy, exploitative, and abusive super who hopes to capture a Decker's death on camera in order to sell it. But Orion and Valentino are both vibrant, kind, and oddly hopeful for doomed lovers.

As readers familiar with the first book will expect, The First to Die in the End explores philosophical and mature themes including faith, grief, intimate partner abuse, first love, trauma (Orion's an orphan), and the importance of trusted friends and found family. Identity is also highlighted, since Valentino and Orion are both gay. While Orion is out and supported by his adoptive family, Valentino's religious parents disowned him. Their relationship manages to develop organically, even if it's clear their first day together will also be their last. That the romance doesn't feel like insta love despite it lasting roughly 24 hours is an example of the author's skills. Silvera has said that there's a third Death-Cast scheduled for 2024, and readers who pay attention will be able to spot who the next pairing will focus on. Until then, this prequel is just what fans wanted, a return to the alternate-universe New York, where even on your last day alive, you can find friendship and love.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the violence in The First to Die at the End. Why is it necessary to the plot? How does realistic violence, especially involving guns, impact readers?

  • Discuss which characters you believe are role models. What character strengths do they display? Why are compassion, empathy, perseverance and teamwork important to show in books and pop culture?

  • What do you think of the representation of race, ethnicity, and sexuality in The First to Die at the End? Although there's been an increase in stories about LGBTQ+ characters, what kinds of representation do you want more of in the future?

  • Talk about the book's central romance. How is it handled? Is reading about sex different from watching depictions of it on TV or in movies?

Book Details

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